Wildlife panel could change

Published: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 7:54 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 7:54 p.m.

Legislation that could guarantee north Louisiana at least two seats on the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission was advanced by a House committee Wednesday.

Under current law, three of the commission’s seven members must be selected by the governor from the coast, and they must represent commercial fishing or fur interests.

The governor also selects another four at-large members who aren’t connected to those industries.

House Bill 426 by Rep. James Armes, D-Leesville, is a constitutional amendment that would call for two members from the north, three from the south and three to represent the state at-large.

While commission chairman Ronnie Graham of Ruston is from north Louisiana, Armes added he also is the only member from the entire panel not from the coast or nearby southern parishes.

Most members of the House Natural Resources Committee sided with Armes and Chairman Gordon Dove, R-Houma, who was instrumental in creating the current version of the bill.

Noting that Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham is from north Louisiana, Rep. Joe Harrison, R-Napoleonville, was the only local lawmaker on the committee to object to the bill’s passage.If approved by the Legislature, the constitutional amendment will face voters on the Nov. 4, 2014, ballot.

<p>Legislation that could guarantee north Louisiana at least two seats on the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission was advanced by a House committee Wednesday. </p><p>Under current law, three of the commission's seven members must be selected by the governor from the coast, and they must represent commercial fishing or fur interests.</p><p>The governor also selects another four at-large members who aren't connected to those industries. </p><p>House Bill 426 by Rep. James Armes, D-Leesville, is a constitutional amendment that would call for two members from the north, three from the south and three to represent the state at-large.</p><p>While commission chairman Ronnie Graham of Ruston is from north Louisiana, Armes added he also is the only member from the entire panel not from the coast or nearby southern parishes. </p><p>Most members of the House Natural Resources Committee sided with Armes and Chairman Gordon Dove, R-Houma, who was instrumental in creating the current version of the bill.</p><p>Noting that Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham is from north Louisiana, Rep. Joe Harrison, R-Napoleonville, was the only local lawmaker on the committee to object to the bill's passage.If approved by the Legislature, the constitutional amendment will face voters on the Nov. 4, 2014, ballot.</p><p>The bill will be heard next by the full House.</p>